Authentic North and South India

Upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport, meet & greet by our representative. After breakfast we visit Literacy India, a non-governmental organization that works for underprivileged children, women and youth and offers them the opportunity to develop their personality and improve their skills. We then visit Sunder Nursery and get an insight into the work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. It focuses on the physical, social, cultural and economic revitalization of communities in developing countries. In the afternoon we visit the Bangala Sahib Gurudwara, one of the most famous Sikh temples in India. There is a community kitchen on the premises where more than 10,000 people can eat free of charge every day, regardless of their race or religion. We round off our day with a drive through the government district, past the India Gate.

Meals: Breakfast Only

After breakfast we commence our journey to Vrindavan. From here, we take an e-rickshaw to the Iskcon temple and receive a brief introduction to temple life and refresh ourselves with a cup of chai. Later, a short walk through the alleys of Vrindavan. Afterwards, we are taken by rickshaw to the Yamuna bank, where we board rowing boats and travel on the Yamuna River for 30-45 minutes. A local guide accompanies us and tells us stories about Lord Krishna. After our arrival in Agra, we visit the Mehtab Bagh garden to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal from the other side of the Yamuna River at sunset. If you want, you can then visit the SHEROES Café. The café was founded by women who were victims of acid attacks.

Meals: Breakfast included

Early in the morning, we visit one of the most magnificent wonders of the modern world, the Taj Mahal. Immediately after, we visit the Agra Fort, a sprawling complex with a number of magnificent palaces, courtyards, pleasure gardens, pavilions and mosques. The Mughal Emperor Akbar began construction of the fort and subsequent emperors added their own structures and design elements over the years. Continue to Jaipur.

Meals: Breakfast included

In the morning, we start our tour of the Pink City. We begin with the fascinating Amber Fort, built in the 17th century by Maharaja Man Singh. He was one of the Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful generals and a superb warrior. The hilltop fort was the seat of power of the Kachhwaha Rajput clan before the City Palace was built in Jaipur. The fort complex is home to some of the most impressive palaces, gardens and courtyards decorated with colorful frescoes and mirrors. Later, we visit the stunning City Palace. This sprawling complex of palaces, gardens and courtyards also houses the residences of the current royal family of Jaipur. Beautifully painted doors, exquisite paintings and exhibits of weapons, rare manuscripts, art, jewelry, textiles and traditional handicrafts make the Palace Museum a unique place. On a walking tour we explore the bazaars of old Jaipur. We can sample sweets and watch local artisans such as silversmiths and bangle makers in their workshops. Another highlight today is the "Pink Tuk Tuk Ride" - an extraordinary way to explore the old and modern side of Jaipur. It is a unique initiative that offers 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur an aspiring employment opportunity. So all tuk tuks are driven by women!

Meals: Breakfast included

Today we leave the north of India and fly via Mumbai or via Delhi to the south, to Trivandrum the capital city of Kerala.

Meals: Breakfast included

In the morning, we will take a trip to one of the architectural wonders of the past, the Padmanabhapuram Palace. The Padmanabhapuram Palace, which is over 400 years old, is considered the largest wooden palace in all of Asia. It covers an area of ​​6.5 hectares with more than 15 buildings, with each part of this magnificent complex boasting intricate woodwork that showcases the outstanding skills of the artisans of yesteryear. Later, we will visit one of the most beautiful temples, Thiruvattar Adikesava Perumal, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Meals: Breakfast included

Drive to Alleppey, a pleasant, relaxed market town surrounded by coconut plantations. With its large network of canals, it is an important centre for backwater houseboat trips and the setting for spectacular snake boat races. The town, also known as the "Venice of the East", is the headquarters of Kerala's coconut industry and important for the processing of cashew nuts. Here we board our houseboat, which we leisurely chug through the backwaters. Today we spend the night on board the houseboat.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included

After our breakfast on board, disembarkation and drive to Kumarakom. On the way, we will visit a rubber plantation. Kumarakom is the best destination to experience Ayurvedic massages and relaxation, which we can enjoy directly at the hotel (payment on site).

Meals: Breakfast included

Our excursion today begins with a ride on a shikhara boat that takes us across a lake to the village of Manjira. With the help of our village guide and the village community, we learn about many of their local practices and products. Experts show us how to climb a coconut tree and we watch skilled fishermen cast their nets and catch a few fish with ease. We enjoy a walk through the lush green rice fields and learn about the unique plants and spices that surround the village. We are also invited into the homes of the residents to see more traditional and unique crafts.

Meals: Breakfast included

We first drive into the hinterland of Kerala by tuk tuk to get to know various small villages. Our guide later takes us to the local fishing port and we witness a live fish auction. Today we have lunch with a local family. Afterwards we drive to Cochin.

Meals: Breakfast included

After breakfast we go on an exciting, sustainable tour through cultural Cochin. On the bike we get to know the way of life, places of worship and eating habits of the various communities of Cochin. After our bike tour we visit the Jewish quarter with the old synagogue, the Mattancherry Palace and the Chinese fishing nets. In the evening a Kathakali dance performance awaits us.

Meals: Breakfast included

Early morning transfer to the airport and return flight to back home or onward destination. End our services.

Meals: Breakfast included